Category: Cycle racing

Congratulations to the South Australian Government on its inspired decision to offer equal prize money for the Women’s Tour Down Under pro cycling race. As the men’s edition of the race was wrapping up on the weekend, the Sports Minister announced that his Government would add extra cash to the prize pool. I believe this is a first for women’s professional road cycling, where the women usually earn way less in prize money even for similar races. In last year’s Tour of Flanders race, the women’s prize money was reportedly 1,100 euros, compared to about 20,000 euros for the men.

Two months ago, I attended a women’s cycling event at a local bike shop and was thrilled to meet Aussie pro cyclist Rachel Neylan. I was really impressed when I heard Rachel recount her story of determination to reach the top echelons of Australian women’s cycling. I was also impressed to find out that she was the driving force behind the event I was attending, and she was leaving Australia the very next day to begin her European season. On the night Rachel agreed to an interview and here’s the result….. Q: How did you get into cycling? I was

Each year I promote the women’s pro cycling race, Italy’s Giro Rosa 2017, and each time I also lament the fact that it’s held at the same time as the very high profile Tour de France. As a consequence it passes by almost unnoticed by most sports fans. Up until a few years ago it was considered the biggest stage race on the women’s calendar, but I’d argue that the much newer stage races – the Women’s Tour of Britain and the Women’s Tour of California – have now got a higher profile. Nonetheless I’d like to play my part

I love to see women’s pro cycling develop, and one race that’s growing nicely is the 2017 Women’s Tour cycle race, previously known as the Women’s Tour of Britain which starts in England tomorrow. It’s a five stage race covering the areas of Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire Derbyshire, and a final criterium race in London on 11 June 2017. This year is the fourth edition of the race, and the first time the race has finished in the capital, using the same six-kilometre circuit around central London as the men’s Tour of Britain. Speaking at the launch of the route, race director

This week we hear from European-based Aussie pro cyclist Amanda Spratt, who hails from my home state of NSW. Amanda, or Spratty as I believe she’s known, has had a solid start to 2017 with a few great results. She was the overall winner of the Women’s Tour Down Under series and second in the Australian National Road Race, a title which she won in 2012 and 2016. Q: You started this year well with a win in the Women’s Tour Down Under series on home soil, how has the year continued for you? My first goal for 2017 was

A couple of weeks ago I published an interview with Wiggle High5 owner/manager Rochelle Gilmore and thought I’d follow it up with an interview with the other Aussie women of Wiggle High5, riders Amy Cure and Nettie (Annette Edmondson). Enjoy…. Q: How have you found the racing in Australia over the summer months? Amy – It has been really fun. I’ve enjoyed myself a lot. I think taking a break from the road last season has really helped me, and I think It’s what I needed. It really confirmed how much I missed it, and I’m really looking forward to

It’s always great to hear a story where a woman has been able to combine work with cycling passion – meet Sarina Tomchin who runs a cycling apparel business called Cycology with her husband Michael. Q: When and how did you get involved in cycling? Do you complete? I started riding very young, riding to school and in a “bikie gang”….all of us riding hand me down BMX bikes or found on the street. I came up through SLSC; running, swimming and paddling. When I arrived in Sydney to go to Sydney College of the Arts I bought my first ‘expensive’ bike

Every year I write about the women’s professional race the Giro Rosa 2016, and I always lament the fact that it’s held at the same time as the very high profile Tour de France. As a consequence it passes by almost unnoticed to any sports fans. A few years ago it was considered the biggest stage race on the women’s calendar, but I’d argue that the much newer stage races – the Women’s Tour of Britain and the Women’s Tour of California – have now got a higher profile. Nonetheless I’d like to play my part in promoting the race

I recently touched base with Australian road & track cyclist Nettie Edmondson who is firmly focused on track cycling gold in Rio. I had the pleasure of meeting Nettie for the first time about four years ago and soon after wrote my first post about her. By coincidence one my friend’s daughters Keira, who is a keen track & road cyclist herself, is a huge fan of Nettie’s. So last year when we all visited Adelaide for the Tour Down Under I arranged for us to meet up with Nettie. Keira is pictured here with her hero. I was really

One of the many topics I love to cover in my posts is the world of the female pro cyclist. They receive so little coverage compared to their male counterparts that I feel it’s part of my responsibility to help. Plus I really love to interact with them. I first spoke to Kimberley Wells three years ago so thought it was about time we caught up with her. Kimberley and I exchanged a few emails for this interview….. Q: What are you up to Kimberley? A: Racing up in Belgium at the moment. Ran 7th in the Dwars Door